In 2006, the festival was relocated to world class Sydney Olympic Park to accommodate the increased crowd. What started like a picnic day with little entertainment has now grown to become the biggest community event in Olympic Park and one of the most significant community events in Australia.
This Boishakhi Mela in Sydney Olympic Park is now the best and biggest organised Bengali New Year celebration anywhere outside Bangladesh.
Boishakhi Mela began a new journey in 2006 when it moved from a school ground to the Athletic Centre, a huge international modern and prestigious venue in the Sydney Olympic Park. With its transcending appeal the event has now become an annual celebration of thousands of Bengali speaking people from Bangladesh and four states of India. It has grown in to one of the most significant cultural events in Australia.
People from different races and backgrounds are joining the Mela adding diversity to its food, clothing, jewellery and handicrafts stalls. Entertainment program throughout the day have now embraced performers from all backgrounds, including mainstream Australian, to give the festival a multicultural flavour and character.
The day provides great opportunities and exposure for businesses, artists, organisations and the general community. In particular, if offers a brilliant opportunity to businesses come closure to a hugely potential consumer group.
The day attracts a crowd of around 20,000. It draws crowd not only from Sydney but also from regional NSW, Canberra, other states of Australia and even from New Zealand.
It has become the National Day of all Bengali speaking people, particularly for all Bangladeshi Australians.